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Biomimetic Dentistry

What is Biomimetic Dentistry?

A biomimetic dental onlay

Biomimetic dentistry is a minimally invasive way of treating teeth that have become weakened or decayed. This practice helps to conserve the teeth and to keep them as strong as possible through sealing out bacteria and protecting the nerve and inner part of the tooth. Traditional dentistry techniques have often meant decayed or damaged teeth are drilled and filled, are crowned, or invasive root canal therapy is performed. This often means a substantial amount of the tooth is lost forever. In contrast biomimetic dentistry only replaces those areas of the teeth that are damaged, conserving the healthy parts of the tooth.

The word biomimetic means to mimic nature, as natural teeth are perfectly designed for the job in hand. The practice of biomimetic dentistry rebuilds damaged areas with materials designed to closely replicate the way natural teeth perform. The materials used flex with the tooth, reducing the likelihood of fractures.
In contrast the materials used for crowns and many traditional fillings are hard and inflexible. The remaining tooth structure is often weakened by the forces created when biting and chewing, and this can lead to it cracking. A cracked tooth will require extraction, meaning both the crown and the tooth will be lost. Alternatively the biting forces can weaken the bond between the crown or filling and the natural tooth, allowing bacteria to penetrate the tooth, creating infection and decay.

Repairing your Teeth Conservatively

Biomimetic dentistry virtually eliminates the need for root canal therapy, and replaces lost or damaged areas of tooth with correctly designed inlays and onlays that are securely bonded onto the tooth. These restorations are made with technologically advanced resin and ceramic materials, and can generally be completed during just one dental visit. There is very little or no tooth sensitivity following the procedure as the inner parts of the tooth, including the nerve are sealed and protected, helping to promote the long term health of the tooth.